Top tracks — play these first
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SPICY — The opening track sets an energetic tone for the album, blending catchy melodies with confident lyrics that establish CL's solo identity.
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HWA — This track showcases CL's dynamic rap style paired with a powerful chorus, encapsulating her ability to merge genres seamlessly.
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Lover Like Me — A standout pop anthem, it highlights her playful side while maintaining strong production quality that characterizes the album.
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5 STAR — This track combines introspective lyrics with a captivating beat, effectively displaying her growth as an artist and songwriter.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong production and engaging hooks but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track, 'SPICY', setting a fast pace that continues through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response sections, creating an engaging dynamic between CL's lead vocals and background elements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo groove
- empowering anthems for confidence
- dynamic beats for active listening
- for upbeat gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, contemplative music
- seek lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on October 20, 2021, Alpha marks CL's first solo album after her time with the influential girl group 2NE1. Following a series of singles and collaborations, this album represents her artistic reinvention as a solo artist, emphasizing her versatility and personal expression in music.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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My Way
The bridge shifts from a reflective tone to a more assertive declaration of self-determination and individuality.
This transition emphasizes a pivotal moment of empowerment, marking a departure from vulnerability to embracing one's identity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 SPICY 3:14
- 2 Lover Like Me 2:57
- 3 Chuck 3:10
- 4 Xai 3:15
- 5 Let It 3:04
- 6 Tie a Cherry 3:10
- 7 Paradise 2:46
- 8 My Way 3:26
- 9 Siren 3:14
- 10 HWA 2:56
- 11 5 STAR 3:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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